Calvin Austin III
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Steelers Depot's Alex Kozora argued wide receiver Calvin Austin III hiring a new agent indicates he is ready to depart the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There hasn’t been a lot of chatter this offseason about the Pittsburgh Steelers bringing back Calvin Austin III. Steelers fans received a significant sign Wednesday that he will not be back with the team during 2026.
Rosenhaus Sports, a sports representation agency led by famous agent Drew Rosenhaus, announced on social media Wednesday that Austin is one of its newest clients.
“Welcome to the Family, Calvin Austin III,” wrote the Rosenhaus Sports X account.
Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora argued Austin changing representation just before he reaches NFL free agency for the first time is a strong indication he will be signing with a different organization.
“Players don’t normally change agents when they intend to re-sign with their current team,” Kozora wrote. “After four years in Pittsburgh, Austin seems likely to hit the open market and sign elsewhere.”
Austin experienced a breakout season of sorts in 2024, averaging 15.2 yards per reception. So a year ago, he appeared on his way to being a Steelers contract extension candidate.
But in 2025, he dealt with shoulder and hamstring injuries, missing three games. Austin finished with only 31 catches and 372 yards in 14 contests.
Still, his loss will be more than a blip on the radar. All three of Austin’s touchdowns came in the fourth quarters of games during 2025.
Two of them were game-winning scores, including the touchdown to defeat the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North crown in Week 18.
WR Calvin Austin III Changes Agents Before 2026 NFL Free Agency
Austin didn’t take another step forward with his development last season. That’s very likely going to lead to his departure in Pittsburgh.
A lot of it was out of his control. Former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith put an even greater emphasis on tight ends last season. Austin also never seemed to build a great rapport with Aaron Rodgers.
That could have been partially on Austin, but Rodgers is notorious for trusting veterans more than young wideouts. Rodgers’s 42-year-old arm also wasn’t a match for Austin’s greatest attribute — his speed.
In 2024, Russell Wilson took advantage of that with deep passes to Austin. Averaging 15.2 yards per catch, Austin posted 548 yards during 2024 with Wilson behind center most of the year.
When it mattered, though, Rodgers didn’t shy away from targeting Austin. His catch to defeat the Ravens will remain as one of the last defining moments of the Mike Tomlin-John Harbaugh rivalry.
If he leaves the Steelers this offseason, Austin will depart Pittsburgh with 84 catches, 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 48 games.
Austin missed his entire rookie season during 2022. But he then sat out just three contests from 2023-25.
Austin’s Value in 2026 NFL Free Agency?
Pundits and salary cap websites have presented a mixed bag on Austin’s potential free agency value this offseason.
Spotrac estimated the wideout to be worth an average annual salary of about $4.9 million. Spotrac predicted Austin to sign a 2-year, $9.75 million contract.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper had a much higher projection. Popper ranked Austin the No. 8 free agent receiver this offseason and set his value at $33 million on a 3-year deal.
On an average annual basis, that’s double what Spotrac projected.
Other projections have Austin making between $7-10 million per season. But those predictions are older, before he played the 2025 campaign.
One factor that will help Austin is he also returns punts. In 2024, he returned one for a touchdown against the New York Giants.
That should raise his value.
While Austin looks for a big payday in NFL free agency, the Steelers will be searching for receiver upgrades themselves. Pundits have speculated the team could both acquire a young star through a trade and draft a wideout early in the 2026 NFL Draft.